B-10 GAY PEOPle's ChronICLE PRIDE GUIDe 1996

Reclaiming our place in the the religions of the world

by Daniel R. Mullen

Reverend Mel White, former ghostwriter for Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, and now an openly gay minister of the Metropolitan Community Church, will speak about being openly gay and a loving Christian at the 1996 Greater Cincinnati Pride and Cultural Festival, begin-

ning May 31.

Dr. White is the author of Stranger at the Gate, To Be Gay and Christian in America. The 1994 autobiography details his path from a conservative Christian home in Anderson, Indiana, through his career as ghostwriter and film producer for

in the spirit of Jesus, Gandhi, and King."

“The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people have been told for so long that the're evil by the religious, that all across the country now gay people are saying it's not true. And they're reclaiming there own spirit journey."

We have been spirit folk, berdache, kahunas, priests, rabbis-from the

beginning of time

leaders of the religious right including Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Francis Schaffer, James Kennedy and Oliver North. Dr. White advises gay and lesbian Christians to confront the misleading anti-gay rhetoric of the religious right.

"At the heart of this moment is to reclaim who we are. We have been spirit folk, berdache, kahunas, priests, rabbis-from the beginning of time," said White.

"How do we respond with militant non-violence?" White will ask the crowds at the celebration. As an answer he will offer "soul force, justice

White hopes to show his new video attacking Pat Robertson's antigay rhetoric as part of his national campaign against the Christian Coalition's powerful negative influ-

ence.

But in his Pride speech he will "address the wider issue of the spirit of intolerance that

seems to be growing across the land."

In February 1995, Reverend White was arrested and jailed for trespassing at Robertson's Christian Broadcasting headquarters. He refused to pay the $50 fine and fasted until Robertson, who speaks out strongly against gay and lesbian existence, agreed to publicly repudiate anti-gay violence.

White's Pride message for the gay and lesbian commuunity is one that he has been claiming since 1993, when he finally reconciled his Christian theology and his sexual orientation. "God loves me without reservation," he says, without a hint of doubt in his voice. "Everyone is equal in the eyes of God."

Mel White

Stitch by Stitch

31 South Main St. ⚫ Oberlin 216/774-4544

An Earth Friendly store, helping

to "Close the Loop"

Custom Alterations

Jewelry

Backpacks

Recycled Accessories Recycled Rubber

Karen Masulle

HARDWARE

#

倉

Kathleen Snyder

SOFTWARE

Pentium 133 MHz PC System:

* 16 MB RAM, 2.0 GB Hard drive, 3.5" drive

* 2 MB Video card, 8X CD ROM, MS Mouse

* MS Win 95 w/Plus pack

MS software, 28.8 Fax modem

32-bit wavetable sound card

Stereo speakers w/subwoofer

15.28mm SVGA monitor

5/3 year warranty

$2,449

Prices subject to change without notice

Other configurations available, Sales tax not included

Seamstress

Bags

Dressmaker

Briefcases

Lizzie Brown

Clothing

Call:

Pleiades

Post Cards

Fax:

Internet:

Extredz

Buttons

Exthredz

Vinyl Stickers

AIDS Awareness T-shirts

216-871-6830 or 216-975-2085 216-871-5446

kmraboot@kunst.com.com

ReBoot! Computing & Design

Suite #147

30628 Detroit Road Westlake, Ohio 44145

Looking for women who want more than a quiet dinner and long walks on the beach?

Check Out the Gay Peoples Chronicle Personals and Find the Varica

Mother

THE LESBIAN/GAY COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER

CELEBRATES

PRIDE!

Stop by our booth at Pride to become a Center Member. With membership you'll receive a FREE PRIDE CARD, good for discounts at area businesses!

THE PRIDE CARD

Don't

Be

A

Homo Without It.

PHE LESBIAN/GAY COMUNITI SERVICE CHIFER OF GREATER CLEVELAND. PO BOX 6177 CLEVELAND, OHTO 44101

(216) 522-1999